Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Construction recently approved a plan to reconfigure traffic flow at the Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection. Proposed by the Center for Traffic Management and Technical Infrastructure, this pilot program is scheduled to run from 23/5 to 23/6. The initiative aims to alleviate persistent congestion at this crucial junction.

Vehicles are congested at the Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem roundabout. Photo: Thanh Tung

Under the new plan, the city will not remove the existing roundabout, but will significantly alter how vehicles navigate the intersection. Currently, drivers circle the central island to change direction between Dien Bien Phu and Nguyen Binh Khiem streets. The revised system will prohibit this circular movement.

Authorities will extend the median barrier on Dien Bien Phu street, near Dinh Tien Hoang street, directly to the roundabout. This modification prevents vehicles traveling on Dien Bien Phu from curving around the central island to turn left onto Nguyen Binh Khiem street.

Instead, a dedicated lane on Dien Bien Phu street, for traffic heading from Hang Xanh towards the city center, will open before the roundabout. This allows vehicles to turn left directly onto Nguyen Binh Khiem, enabling earlier direction changes, bypassing the central island, and minimizing potential conflicts.

Conversely, vehicles exiting Nguyen Binh Khiem onto Dien Bien Phu will be required to turn right, no longer permitted to circle the central island. Drivers wishing to make a U-turn must continue towards Hang Xanh or turn onto Hoang Sa street, proceed under the bridge, and then loop back.

To further regulate traffic flow, Ho Chi Minh City will install two traffic light poles. These lights will manage vehicle movements between the various streets in the area, working in conjunction with the new lane configurations.

Congestion at the roundabout at night. Photo: Thanh Tung

For effective implementation, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction has instructed relevant units to install comprehensive signage and distant directional banners. They will also adjust traffic light cycles to match actual traffic volume. Ho Chi Minh City Police and local authorities are requested to deploy more personnel to regulate and guide traffic, especially during peak hours, to reduce congestion and ensure public safety.

The Dien Bien Phu - Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection serves as a vital traffic link between the city's eastern districts and its center. The roundabout, built over 20 years ago, measures approximately 60 meters in diameter and features numerous trees. A 4-sided clock tower, about 16 meters high, stands in its center, recognized as a local landmark.

Location of the Dien Bien Phu roundabout. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

Beyond connecting two major arterial roads, this intersection provides access to branches leading to Hoang Sa street along the Nhieu Loc canal. In recent years, the area has frequently experienced congestion during peak hours. Previously, Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Police proposed removing the roundabout to manage traffic with traffic lights, but this option proved unfeasible.

Giang Anh